AAUW’s Tips for Inauguration Weekend

The weekend of January 20 will be a busy one! The 58th Presidential Inauguration will take place on Friday, January 20. And on Saturday, January 21, the Women’s March on Washington and local Sister Marches will be held nationwide. AAUW members will have a presence at both events. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about participating in Inauguration weekend in Washington, D.C., or from the comfort of your own home.

The basics:

Inauguration Day, including the public swearing-in ceremony, Inaugural parade, and official Inaugural balls will take place on Friday, January 20, 2017, beginning at noon Eastern on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The contains a schedule of events, information on requesting public tickets to the ceremony or parade, and other useful information. Make sure to sign up for e-mail updates so you can receive the latest details. You can also follow the committee’s updates on Facebook and Twitter. Contact your members of Congress for ticketing requests and information about state Inaugural balls.

The Women’s March on Washingtonis scheduled to begin with a rally running from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, January 21, 2017,at Third Street and Independence Avenue SW, near the U.S. Capitol. The rally will begin at 1:15 p.m. Eastern. A delegation of AAUW members, friends, and family will meet outside the Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) from 9 to 9:30 a.m., before walking together to the start of the march (all are welcome — The rally will disperse at the southern part of the Ellipse near the White House, at Constitution Avenue between Fifteenth and Seventeenth Streets NW. This nonpartisan rally of women’s rights advocates seeks to deliver the message that women’s rights are human rights. Nationally recognized speakers and entertainers have been announced.

The AAUW national headquarters (1310 L St. NW) will be open to members and friends as a warming station and rest stop on Saturday, January 21. Details will be announced shortly. Complete the AAUW Inauguration weekend survey to receive updates.

If you’re traveling to Washington, D.C.:

AAUW is unable to provide accommodations or transportation to Inauguration weekend visitors. Use of public transportation, including Metro, Amtrak, and commuter rails is strongly encouraged. See Metro’s service announcement regarding Inauguration weekend 2017, and consider purchasing a SmarTrip card in advance. We encourage you to visit C.’s official travel site for information about lodging and accommodations.

January in Washington, D.C., can be notoriously cold. Be sure to wear layers, comfortable shoes, and appropriate winter attire. Do not bring anything that could be considered a weapon. That includes pepper spray, Swiss Army knives, and even sign posts; many items are banned from Inauguration ceremonies and events. Bring water and snacks and be prepared for spotty cellphone service, given the volume of crowds. You might consider packing a map and, if traveling with others, designating a meeting place for your group.

Making a longer trip to D.C.? Consider contacting your members of Congress. They have staff trained to help you plan your trip; in addition to Inauguration tickets, your member of Congress may also be able to help you obtain tickets for a tour of the U.S. Capitol, White House, Library of Congress, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Supreme Court, or Pentagon. Find your representative’s contact information on house.gov and your senators’ contact information on www.senate.gov.

If you can’t make it to Washington, D.C.:

Watch Inauguration from home. Key events throughout Inauguration Day will be televised on news networks, typically including the president’s Inaugural address and excerpts from the parade and balls.

Find a Sister March in your state. Sister Marches are solidarity events inspired by the Women’s March on Washington and organized by volunteers around the world — including members of AAUW. I encourage you to organize your branch members to attend a Sister March together — and don’t forget to wear your AAUW gear! AAUW poster board, stickers, and buttons can be ordered free of charge by January 16, or visit ShopAAUW to purchase banners and other promotional materials. (Of course, we also hope to see you in our nation’s capital this June for AAUW’s convention, when we’ll be storming Capitol Hill together!)

Whether in D.C. or at home, raise your voice online

Change your Facebook or Twitter profile picture to show your solidary for AAUW and gender equity. (You can also search for AAUW’s official Facebook frame here.) Be sure to look for AAUW’s official Women’s March on Washington Snapchat geofilter along the march route.